In a moment in German politics, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) came together on Sunday to finalize their strategies for the upcoming European Union elections. The party conventions were marked by a sense of urgency and a call to action as both parties faced declining poll numbers and a shared determination to reinvigorate voter participation.

During the congresses held on January 28 both coalition partners officially approved their election platforms. Announced their leading candidates setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive race. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, addressing the SPD gathering emphasized the significance of the forthcoming elections portraying them as a battleground against the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and throughout Europe.

With an approval rating currently standing at 13.5%, the SPD has made combating right ideologies a central pillar of its campaign. Katarina Barley, a politician who previously led the party’s efforts, in the 2019 European elections has once again been chosen to spearhead the SPD’s endeavours. Despite the difficulties faced in the past where the SPD experienced setbacks the party remains determined to turn things around and address the growing influence of illiberal forces within the EU. One vocal critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán’s tactics is Barley.

On a note, the FDP, whose support has dipped below the crucial 5% threshold is campaigning with a focus on reducing bureaucracy at the EU level. Marie Agnes Strack Zimmermann, their candidate strongly criticized Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s administration for fostering a “madness of bureaucracy” that hampers innovation. The FDP also highlighted von der Leyen’s perceived alignment with policies by referring to her as “the Green Commission president ” aiming to differentiate their stance on regulatory reform.

These national campaigns take place against a political landscape in the EU that faces significant challenges, including a strained relationship with Hungary. Both the SPD and FDP have expressed concerns about Orbán’s behaviour and how the European Commission has handled this situation. In particular, there is controversy surrounding the decision to unfreeze EU funds for Hungary—a move seen by some as compromising the EU’s commitment, to democratic values.

As German political parties fine-tune their approaches and rally their supporters the upcoming EU elections become a moment not just for tackling internal political hurdles but also for shaping the future path of the European Union. From reforms to safeguarding democratic values, the results of these elections will undoubtedly hold significant consequences for Germany’s position, in Europe and the overall direction of the EU.